Oregon Residential Lease Disclosures: What Renters Must Know

If you're renting a home or apartment in Oregon, it's important to understand the disclosure requirements your landlord must follow. Required disclosures are specific pieces of information that landlords are legally obligated to share with you, either in your written lease agreement or as separate documents. Knowing these disclosures helps you protect your rights and avoid unexpected problems during your tenancy.

What Is a Required Disclosure in an Oregon Rental?

A required disclosure is any information that Oregon law says a landlord must give to a tenant—often before or at the start of a tenancy. These disclosures include both legal notices and practical details about the property or your rights as a renter.

Key Disclosures Landlords Must Provide in Oregon

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Disclosure: Oregon law requires landlords to provide written notice about the location, maintenance, and testing of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal).
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For properties built before 1978, landlords must provide tenants with a U.S. EPA-approved pamphlet on lead-based paint hazards and disclose any known information about lead paint. This is required nationwide by federal law (EPA's guide for renters).
• Flood Plain Disclosure: If the rental unit is located in an area designated as a floodplain by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), landlords must disclose this information in writing before the lease is signed. This helps renters understand their flood risk.
• Source of Drinking Water: If a landlord supplies water from a source other than a public system (such as a private well), the landlord must include a disclosure about the source of that water.
• Landlord's Legal Name and Address: Written leases must include the name and address of the property owner or agent authorized to manage the property or receive legal notices (Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
• Smoking Policy Disclosure: If smoking is prohibited or restricted in the rental unit or on the premises, this policy must be clearly disclosed in writing in the rental agreement (Oregon Law on Smoking Policies).
• Recycling Information (For Some Multi-Unit Buildings): Landlords of properties with five or more units in certain jurisdictions must provide information about recycling services.
• Utility or Service Responsibility: The lease must specify who is responsible for utilities or services, including payment and maintenance of those services.

These disclosures ensure that you, as a renter, have important safety information and clarity about your tenancy conditions.

Official Forms and What Renters Should Know

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 747-K-99-001)
  When required: For all rental dwellings built before 1978.
  How it's used: The landlord must give you this form and the EPA lead paint pamphlet before you sign a lease. It's for your protection from lead hazards.
  Official source: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (PDF)

Although Oregon does not provide state-specific lease disclosure forms for most requirements, landlords must include the appropriate language and details within the lease or provide separate written notices. Always ask your landlord for copies of any disclosures you receive.

Your Rights: What Happens If Disclosures Aren't Provided?

Oregon law protects tenants if landlords fail to provide these required disclosures. For example, if a landlord does not give a lead paint disclosure, you may have legal grounds to end your lease or recover damages. Similarly, not receiving a smoke alarm notice could affect your safety and rights in case of emergencies.

Where to Find the Laws and Get Help

The main legislation covering these requirements is Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 90 – the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
The official agency responsible for residential tenancy issues and disputes is the Oregon Housing and Community Services. For court disputes, contact your local county Small Claims Court or Circuit Court.

What To Do If You Don't Receive a Required Disclosure

If you believe your landlord has not provided a mandatory disclosure:

• Contact your landlord in writing to request the information
• Keep a record of all your requests and responses
• If your concern is unresolved, you may contact Oregon Housing and Community Services or your local tenant resource center for guidance

For health and safety-related disclosures (like lead or smoke alarms), you may also contact your city or county housing authority.

FAQ: Oregon Lease Disclosure Rules

1. What if my Oregon landlord doesn't provide a lead-based paint disclosure?
   If your rental was built before 1978 and the landlord fails to provide the disclosure, you may have grounds to break your lease or seek damages. It’s also a federal violation.
2. Are verbal disclosures enough in Oregon?
   No, all required disclosures must be in writing and given before or at the start of your lease.
3. Do I need to sign any of the disclosures?
   For lead-based paint disclosures, you and your landlord must both sign the EPA form. For other disclosures, your signature may be required as proof of receipt.
4. What if I discover unmentioned flood risks after moving in?
   If your property is in a FEMA designated floodplain and the landlord didn’t inform you, you should contact your local authorities or seek legal advice. You may have rights under Oregon law.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Oregon landlords must follow disclosure rules for renter safety and transparency.
• Typical disclosures cover smoke alarms, lead paint, floodplain risks, water source, and landlord contact information.
• If you don’t receive required information, act quickly to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services – official state agency for housing questions, complaints, and resources.
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – read the full law for your rights.
• Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal – fire safety and smoke alarm resources.
• Oregon Floodplain Management – check your area's flood status.
• Oregon Tenant Resources – guidance for renters and advocacy contacts.

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1. See Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), including sections on disclosures and rental agreement requirements.
2. Federal lead disclosure: U.S. EPA Lead Disclosure Rule
3. Fire and smoke alarm: Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal
4. Floodplain law: Oregon Floodplain Information

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